#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2021-11-03 exploring Rome Italy

Buongiorno, my darlings! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another installment of your favourite pink-tutu-infused travel blog. This week, I'm whisking you all away to the Eternal City, Rome! Think cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, gelato, and… drumroll… pink tutus. Oh yes, Rome, you are truly embracing the pink tutu lifestyle!

Rome has been on my bucket list for years. As soon as I saw a picture of the Trevi Fountain, my inner ballerina was already pirouetting through the cobblestone streets, imagining all the photo ops and, of course, the perfect pink tutu moment.

As always, I'm here to share my adventures with you. I travelled here by train, the journey was just as glamorous as I expected, I even managed to find a whole carriage to myself to do a few warm-up stretches.

The train journey was picture postcard perfect; rolling green hills, charming villages, the scent of lavender, it was so idyllic. The train carriage was empty when I got on, so I could relax in a whole row of seats, a real bonus to travelling in my pink tutu. My favourite pink tutu with the dainty lace trim and sparkling crystals! I think that tutu makes me feel a bit like Cinderella's godmother; a sprinkle of fairy dust for every day! I did think of doing some stretches and little ballet jumps; but felt that might be a bit much for my fellow passengers, even with a fabulous pink tutu, it’s not exactly the norm in public!

The Roman Station was quite a scene. The air was thick with the buzz of people, luggage trolleys whirring, and of course, my favourite, the scent of fresh bread and the lure of delicious Italian food! I managed to snag the last available taxi, what luck for my pink tutu. It's been quite a journey and it wasn't all sunshine and roses getting here! It was actually pretty challenging, especially with my luggage, the wheels kept jamming, and in the excitement of getting off the train I left my little pink ballet bag! I found it later in a baggage trolley. Just to say, it pays to pack strategically!

My hotel is the most magical little gem. Just off one of Rome's narrow, winding alleys, there's an intimate boutique hotel with a courtyard that’s basically a Roman garden! I could totally imagine Romeo and Juliet canoodling under the Italian moonlight in this beautiful courtyard! They gave me the biggest room, so spacious! and what a welcome, my very own personal butler, what a treat, who opened the door for me and offered me a chilled glass of something pink - It had little bits of sparkle and made me giggle with excitement. It was definitely time for a glass of sparkling pink bubbles and a much-needed rest!

I spent the rest of the evening in a dreamy state. After a yummy pizza dinner (extra cheese and mushrooms!), I wandered around the hotel’s courtyard. My eyes just couldn't get enough of the beautiful Roman gardens with the moon and stars lighting everything with their soft glow!

My morning was dedicated to embracing all things Rome: history, gelato, and, naturally, a little bit of pink-tutu fun! First, it was time to meet a local historian who I'd planned to do some guided tours with. The Coliseum! How utterly fabulous! You should've seen my pink tutu as I walked around the grand amphitheatre – it truly sparkled against the majestic background! My tutu was the talk of the day for the Roman locals! You have to believe me when I tell you, all the photos I took are already on Instagram! After, I took a little walk around the Foro Romano (Roman Forum). All that history and it feels so powerful and timeless. Just picturing those incredible gladiatorial battles, with the emperor sitting in his box. And I imagine a bunch of ballerinas spinning on stage. How fab would that be?

For lunch, it was pasta heaven at a little hidden restaurant on one of the alleys off the main piazza. I was transported back in time! With my plate of steaming penne arrabiata, I even did a little plié. Then, my lovely guide taught me some phrases in Italian. After a few minutes, I felt so Italian, or at least Italian-feeling. The phrase I'm obsessed with at the moment is “La Vita è Bella”. It perfectly sums up my experience in Rome; Life is beautiful.

But no trip to Rome would be complete without an afternoon dedicated to gelato, the best gelato in the world! It’s no joke! There’s even an authentically pink gelato which I indulged in to celebrate my day in Rome. I think I just ate my weight in gelato that day.

Rome never sleeps! This city just hums with a frenetic energy that’s contagious! And with that in mind, I was out early this morning, it was like the city had woken up in my image: all pink skies! I think my pink tutu definitely brightened my day! And even added to that already vibrant energy! Today was all about soaking in the beauty of Piazza Navona. I just had to stand on a central plinth, twirl my way across the beautiful Italian cobblestones, and capture it on film. Of course!

Today was also all about a bit of a splurge on myself, because, who better to celebrate, than me, in my fabulous pink tutu? My Rome pink tutu journey was never going to be complete without some seriously amazing high fashion. I visited the city's fanciest boutiques on the Via Condotti. And what was I searching for, you might ask? Why a perfect little pink number that was bound to impress. It’s amazing the amount of fabulous things that are in stores! But when something is special, it’s special, and trust me this pink outfit will add a whole new dimension to my wardrobe! It's a dress so pretty that it’ll take all of my pink tutu game to the next level, just imagine it; tutus and gorgeous silk fabric! And who knows maybe even an elegant top hat too!

I don’t think there’s a better place in Rome to soak up the Roman energy and atmosphere than Piazza di Trevi. I can’t resist an Italian Piazza and to twirl in my pink tutu in front of the fountains is a must-do! It was like something from a dream! There’s no question that the Trevi Fountain was the highlight of my Roman odyssey. To have stood there in my gorgeous pink tutu, to have tossed my coin into the Trevi Fountain, I made a wish ( naturally! ) for more ballet performances, more trips, and a bigger pink tutu wardrobe ( my favourite! ). The whole scene had a magic that left me feeling full of life.

On that day I also did a lot of street dancing. You know the type, the ones where you don't really have a clue, it was like someone took over my body! Maybe the Romans inspired me; I think maybe my love of street dancing was just too strong to be kept on hold, It was amazing to just dance in my pink tutu! I was feeling a real inner dancer! It's crazy how your soul just resonates with new places, especially when you have a fabulous pink tutu, and a new outfit.

Tonight was all about ballet. It had to happen. In a city so culturally rich, with such a fantastic ballet scene, the evening could only be dedicated to ballet, I even met some other ballerinas with pink tutus, what a wonderful chance encounter! But let's rewind, as this is actually quite a funny story about a tutu! We decided to see the “Nutcracker”. Now you might be wondering where on earth you’d see “The Nutcracker” in Rome! My new ballet friends pointed out it’s performed by local talent who dance all over Rome, on a pop-up stage that happens to be at the most fab restaurant! It wasn’t just a random ballet, It was done with all the classical glitz and glamour, in one of Rome's grandest settings; complete with a delicious 4-course meal!

Rome, oh Rome! You’ve filled me with such an immense sense of magic that I’ll probably be floating around Derbyshire for at least the next week.

Ciao Bella!

Emma 🩰🇮🇹